The Costa del Sol is Spain’s most popular coastal destination and has been for the last half century. Beginning as a popular venue for wealthy Britons to get a little summer sunshine but then sinking into the mire of mass tourism and the lager lout culture of the nineties, the region has seen something of a renaissance with upscaled hotels, blue flag beaches and glittering marinas full of multi-million pound yachts attracting more affluent travellers. Still, most people travel to the main resorts of Malaga, Marbella, Torremolinos and Fuengirola but with a hire car there are numerous towns and villages shunned by the sun, sand and sea brigade but which are very much worth a visit.

The best way to see them all is to plan a road trip along the Costa. You can usually hire a car in one location then drop it off in another so you won’t have to drive back to your set off point.


Begin inland at Casares, thought to have been named after Julius Caesar who was reputedly cured there of a liver illness by the spring waters. The old town has whitewashed houses dotted irregularly around the hillside crowned with the Moorish castle built in the 12th century. History oozes from almost every street yet it has a quiet, relaxed feel with the friendliness more common to the inland settlements of the Costa del Sol.

Drive south towards the coast and you’ll reach Manilva which lies on the border of Cadiz and Malaga regions. There, despite being on the coast, you’ll find a sleepy town with a charming marina overlooked by several tasteful and exclusive hotels. Evenings spent walking along the promenade that takes you from the port and marina towards the beach can be punctuated with a meal at one of the many excellent fish restaurants.

Heading east, the next town of note is San Pedro de Alcantara which is touted as the most traditional village on the Costa del Sol. The old town has quiet parks, charming squares and attractive public gardens surrounded by stately architecture.

Continuing east you’ll come to Rincon de la Victoria which has many Roman remains in the several archaeological sites spread across the town. It also has a great sandy beach; 50m wide in places that rarely gets crowded. The town is rated as having the highest standard of wellbeing in Spain based on physical and mental health.

Heading inland again, five miles or so, you’ll reach Frigiliana, a typical Andalucian mountain village. Built around the summit of a hill it has a narrow maze of streets that zigzag to the top, lined with picture perfect sugar cube houses. Look out for the story of the village’s history told in a tiled mural that snakes through Frigiliana.

End your road trip of the undiscovered Costa del Sol at Torrox, considered to have the best climate in Europe and home to six miles of beautiful, safe, clean beaches. Torrox is also famed for the vibrant festivals and carnivals that take place throughout the year.

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